Cynthia's Attic: Peace, Love Adopt!

It’s been two and a half years since we lost our 16-year-old terrier mix, Molly, and more than two years before we even considered adopting another dog. We’d casually talk about it but, just over a week ago, I announced to my husband that I was “putting the word out” to various pet rescue sites.

A few days later we saw the picture of a little black and white puff ball named Gigi. For whatever reason, her owner abandoned her at a Pets Mart. I choose to believe this person simply couldn’t take care of her and thought, what better place to leave a dog? Surely some kind soul would take care of her.

Lucky for Gigi and lucky for us, 1 Lucky Dog Rescue picked her up, got her shots up-to-date and groomed her for what might be a long adoption process. Not so. The moment we spotted the picture that a friend posted on my Facebook page, we knew she was the “daughter” we’d waited for.

Oh, but getting her wouldn’t be that easy. First, she was in South Florida! Logistics were against us, but fate intervened. A rescue transport volunteer just happened to be driving to the Atlanta area the next day! Within 48 hours of seeing her picture, we had a new member of the family. We decided that, although the name Gigi is cute, it just didn’t fit, so she is now, Lucy. Like the Beatles song, she’s our diamond. WOOF promotes adoptions and rescues. Please do your part and help dogs like Lucy find good homes. You won’t regret it. If you don’t believe me, just look at these pictures. Who could resist? And, please, if you're thinking of getting a furry friend for your family - ADOPT!

Mary Cunningham Books - Award-winning books for 'Tweens!

Meet Bo (Diddley) Obama!

It's official. The new resident of the White House and the Obama family is Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog given to the Obama girls as a gift by that Portuguese water dog-lovin' senator himself, Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.

A secret meeting apparently took place six weeks ago, and Bo (formerly known as Charlie), was a perfect little gentleman. He sat when the girls sat, stood when the girls stood. He made no toileting errors and did not gnaw on the furniture.

The Obamas have long said they wanted a rescue dog. But the carefully bred PWDs almost never end up in shelters. Bo had been living with another family, but it wasn't a good fit, so the Kennedys acquired him for the Obamas.

As for the rescue pledge, the Obamas came up with a solution intended to lend a serious symbolic note: They're going to make a donation to the D.C. Humane Society.

Guess I'm gonna cut them some slack. No, they didn't go to the local shelter and choose a dog the way we did, but then I'm not (nor is my husband) President of the United States. And, they did sort of "rescue" the dog from a home that wasn't quite right.

So, welcome to the White House, little Bo! What's your opinion?

Here's a link from my previous blog. To find a pet rescue shelter close to you click here.

Read full story from TODAY MSNBC.

To Molly

Our adopted "daughter" Molly - in Maine watching Dad leave shore without her!

She adopted us when she was about 3, at least that's the age we were given by the Miami Animal Shelter. Her first "mom" had died and a neighbor brought Molly into the shelter because there were no relatives to take her. Lucky us.

We'd been considering getting a dog because my husband traveled during the week and he knew I was getting a little lonely. Having always been dog lovers, a small, older pet was our first option.

He missed Molly on his first trip through the shelter, but on a second trip (he felt compelled to give one more look) past the cages of older dogs, there she was; sitting dignantly behind two barking German shepherds. Ken asked to meet her and the rest is history; love at first sight.

Molly left us last October 10, six months to the day. We had 13 years with her, and if we'd had our druthers, we'd have 13 more.

But, back to the picture above. We were visiting dear friends in Maine who lived on a gorgeous lake. The first morning, we got up smelling coffee and welcoming the fresh Maine air; that is until Molly chased a skunk under an outbuilding and returned wearing her own "special scent."

Our friends told us that the "special scent" remained in their home for several months. Fortunately, our friendship has lasted a little longer than that...over 20 years!

I'm sure, in this little tribute, Molly would want me to add a link to the wonderful places that shelter dogs and cats until they find a good home, so here's a list state-by-state. If you want to add a link for your favorite pet adoption shelter, please leave a comment.

Here's to you, Molly Girl.
xoxo, Mom

Not Schnauzers...but close!

Okay, so these aren't Schnauzers and they're not even close to Schnauzers. I'm sure Schnauzers are wonderful dogs. My cousin has had cute little Schnauzers for years and wouldn't have anything else.

But, Schnauzers aside, I'm here to pay honor to my friend, Cynthia. There will be (many, many years from now!) a special place in heaven for her.

She rescues Golden Retrievers. I've lost count how many, but have heard extensively about 5 of them in just the past couple of years.

She and her husband rescued Chance when he was about 7 and quickly decided to adopt him. Their vet said he'd probably live another year or two. He's 15. All you researchers...looking for the answer to longevity? Go live with Cynthia.

Not to say she hasn't had her heartaches. She called a few months ago having just left the vet's office after having her latest "baby" Bassinger, put to sleep. He had an inoperable condition and was suffering. Too much for even Cynthia's healing touch.

It was just a few months later that she was empathizing with me over the loss of our 16-year-old adopted Molly. Our sweet little girl we found at the Miami Animal Shelter many years ago.

If you're looking for some insightful summation to this post. Not gonna get it. It's just my way of giving Cynthia her "due." Although she gets it every day with the tailwagging, joyful expressions from not only Chance, but Bailey and Sadie, too.

So, here's to you, my dear friend. You're an angel to dog lovers (and dogs!) everywhere.

Adopt A Golden - Atlanta

Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta